DUI Visual Cues Police Look For

Many motorists might see flashing blue lights appear in rear view mirrors after a night of painting the town red by having a few drinks. Unlike instant panic or foolish flight, a level head filled with some basic rules might mitigate bad situations that develop from DUI allegations.

• Proceed cautiously to park promptly. Slow down gradually while pulling aside to your right and use turn signals long before reaching a full stop.

• Remain seated. Switch off ignition and turn on dome light while keeping both hands in plain sight.

• Behave normally. Avoid leaning forward or frantically looking around car interior or glove box, as furtive movements constitute probable cause to search your person and vehicle.

• Listen carefully and respond immediately to all lawful orders.

• Watch tongue and tone. Never speak more than absolutely necessary or forget that arguing and belligerence lead nowhere except behind bars. Instead, be attentive to police actions and statements and advise occupants likewise to maximize recall during later court dates.

• Be mindful of watchful eyes. Police cruisers are equipped with sophisticated audio-visual devices that record entire traffic stops, while trained officers observe strange behavior.

• Approach questions about alcohol consumption carefully. Resist temptation for underestimation of recent drinking. Full candor or even no answer is far better than boldfaced lies that backfire at trial.

• Bypass field sobriety tests. Despite implied consent laws in all states that mandate permission for BAC testing as a condition of driver’s license issuance, it may be best to decline if severely inebriated. Moreover, ‘straight line walking” and “standing on one leg” are not mandatory in many states, so ask if required by law before performing stunts that may self-incriminate.

• Never hesitate to counter investigate. If in reasonable doubt about true identity of alleged police officers, request to speak with a supervisor or tag along to the precinct.

Telltale signs of intoxicated driving

A 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study found the following patterns of DUI detection from more than 12,000 U.S. traffic police interviews.

– Problematic lane positioning

Weaving and sharp swerves are red flags that serve as surefire blue light switches. NHTSA research revealed that any one of those signs indicates DUI likelihood above 50 percent. When occurring in coincidence with one of the following events, DUI incidence increases to 65 percent.

– Erratic speed
– Non responsiveness to traffic signals
– No headlights during night driving
– Driving in opposite direction on one-way thoroughfares
– Tailgating

Without such overt clues, odds of random nighttime DUIs drop to 3 percent.

DUI legal defense cost vs. benefits

Below are typical costs of DUI conviction:

• Driving privilege reinstatement – $200 to $500
• Alcohol and drug counseling – $100 to $500
• Ignition interlock installation – up to $500
• Increased auto insurance rates – $3,000 to $4,500 over 3 years
• Lost Income – $1,000 to $4,000 *

* Court appearances, community service and jail time, based on 2014 median US income of $52,000

Above figures are conservative and exclude property damage, personal injury and transportation expenses during lengthy suspension of driving privileges. Not to mention permanent loss or ineligibility for certain professional licensure and careers.

Thus, immediate loss expectation for driver intoxication is $4,800 to $10,000, compared to just $2,000 or less for experienced legal representation. Do the math and then call for a free consultation to switch from fast lanes of DUI disaster to straight paths on right side of the law.